A happy healthy Halloween

On Halloween, the focus is on the tricks and treats but my focus was always on dinner. I always serve a one-pot meal that is time-friendly to eat whenever everyone strolls back to the house. A big pot of hearty Southwestern Soup from my Gulf Coast Favoritescookbook brewing on the stove with mugs around to serve yourself makes an ideal meal for young and old on this come and go cool evening.

Best of all this soup is as simple as opening cans making it perfect for this busy night. The nutritiously sweet yams give the soup a jolt of orange giving Halloween spirit. Did you know you can substitute sweet potatoes for potatoes in any recipe for a nutritional boost? If you have a crowd coming, just double the recipe and if you have extra, cool and freeze in freezable zip lock bags that easily stack in the freezer.